Previous Program
Rick Walker shared his vision of cars in the future.
On Monday, August 17th, Rick Walker gave an audience of about 20 including 3 online Rotarians an excellent vision of cars of the future.
“We'll see more electric vehicles, especially trucks.”
Base platforms for electric cars will become more standardized. Driverless vehicles will be more common (like the one running now in Peachtree Corners). Driverless trucks are now running out in some western states. What is not settled yet is the liability issues for driverless vehicles. Current battery technology with low driving ranges likely will improve and the cost/benefit will tilt toward more electric versus gas. But gas-powered vehicles will be still be around for years. Power companies will develop more battery storage capacity to capture solar & wind generation to meet peak demand needs. The Rotary Club of Sandy Springs would like to thank Rick for sharing a glimpse of what is to come from his unique perspective.
The text that follows is biographical information about Rick provided before this meeting.
Rick started his career with Ford Motor Company as an engineer, was an Executive Vice President with a major Tier 1 automotive supplier for 14 years, and is now President and CEO of GAMA, the Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Association.
Rick is also currently a Partner at Clements Bernard Walker PLLC - a law firm specializing in Intellectual Property (patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and related matters), Trade Association, and Business Law. He is a Registered Patent Attorney. He specialties include various automotive technologies such as autonomous and sensor technologies, as well as medical devices, industrial products, technology systems, and trade associations, among other related areas.
He is the author of numerous published articles on innovation, quality and profitability; was named one of the "Latest Generation of Atlanta CEOs and Power Brokers", Atlanta Journal Constitution, and received the International Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Society of International Business Fellows.
He holds both undergraduate and graduate engineering degrees from the University of Detroit, a law degree from the University of Detroit, and completed The Executive Program at the University of Michigan, I School of Business Administration.
